Dark Day: Bridge Collapse Anniversary
Exactly one year ago, Minneapolis’ Interstate 35W bridge crumpled into a heap, killing 13 people and injuring 100.
What has happened since? A few states, including Minneapolis, have mustered all their courage and made serious investments in their aging infrastructure. But no state has the money to do what needs to be done. Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell managed to push through a $350 million bond issue. But, as he recently told CBS News, he needs $80 billion more. “There is no way on this good God’s earth that Pennsylvania alone can come up with that type of funding,” he said.
The feds, meanwhile, have utterly failed to show leadership. Most of the money for public bridge maintenance comes from the federal Highway Trust Fund, which is largely financed by the federal gas tax. But that tax hasn’t gone up in 15 years. It hasn’t even risen with inflation. And Congress isn’t likely to be brave enough to raise it now, given the rise in gas prices.
Transportation continues to be an old-fashioned patronage program in this country, lacking in oversight and accountability. Last week, the House passed (finally) a $1 billion bill to mandate repairs of federal bridges that have been labeled structurally deficient. A step in the right direction. President Bush has promised to veto it.
e said on August 05, 2008 at 12:04 am
This is the lady who wrote the book “The Unthinkable” about how and why people survive or not when disaster strikes. It’s on my list of things to read.
She seems very credible, based on the little I have read, but also interviews I’ve heard with her. As much as I loathe the term “Department of Homeland Security” (because it smacks of swastikas and jackboots) she strikes me as an excellent candidate to head up that outfit in the Obama Administration.
Rosalie said on August 11, 2008 at 3:25 pm
This bridge collapse was very scary for me. My daughter was on her way home to Minneapolis from a visit with me in California and could have been on that bridge. When I heard about the colllapse I immediately tried calling her cell phone and got no answer and none at her home. I was so relieved when I heard from her a little later.
Last night I heard a radio interview with you. It was late at night but you were so fascinating as were the callers later who relived their life threatening situations that I sacrificed a couple hours sleep just to listen.
I will be ordering your book today. It ought to be required reading because I know it can save lives.
Thank you for the good information.
Aaron said on August 26, 2008 at 1:52 pm
The bridge did not collapse due to a lack of infrastructure funding, it was apparently caused due a design flaw when the bridge was built.
Ironically, the bridge collapsed due to heavy equipment being parked on it for infrastructure repairs
While there is a need for investment in the country’s infrastructure, the Minneapolis bridge collapse should not be used as a poster child for it.